Laney Wilson and Duck Hodges Embrace Newlywed Life

Laney Wilson and her husband, Duck Hodges, are settling into married life after recently completing their prison sentences. The couple made their first public appearance as newlyweds at the 61st Annual Academy of Country Music Awards in Las Vegas, where Wilson was nominated for seven awards during one of country music’s standout events.

During a chat on the red carpet with Fox News, the duo shared insights about their chaotic wedding week and their transition into married life. “It’s really crazy to call you my husband,” Wilson remarked, smiling at Hodges, who nodded in agreement. “I don’t think it’s sunk in yet,” he added, with Wilson chiming in, “We just got married a week ago.”

“It feels special,” Wilson continued. “It’s like we’re starting a new chapter, and I couldn’t ask for anyone better to do this with.” The joyful chemistry between them was evident as they reflected on their wedding in Tennessee, which held significant meaning for both.

Wilson later shared that one moment struck her emotionally during the ceremony. Admittedly, she had been thrilled to see herself as a bride, laughing as she mentioned it was the first time Hodges saw her in a dress. “That was it,” she remembered fondly.

She also described the ceremony as meaningful, underscoring the importance of sharing it with friends and family. “Just do it in front of your friends and family,” she advised. Hodges echoed her sentiments, saying, “It was a great time.”

The couple’s romantic wedding took place on May 10 at Ruskin Cave in Dixon, Tennessee, featuring a beautiful waterfall backdrop. Interestingly, Wilson revealed they found the venue quite by chance while driving through the back roads of Tennessee.

“Dak and I were driving and saw a sign for Ruskin Caverns,” Wilson recounted. “I just said, ‘Do you want to get married there?’ and it was a done deal.” She fell in love with the cave’s natural beauty, describing the serene atmosphere of dripping water and bird songs. “I walked down the aisle in a white carriage to join Duck at the altar,” she described with excitement.

The wedding seamlessly blended Wilson’s Louisiana roots with the couple’s laid-back vibe. “We wanted it to be special, beautiful, and warm for our guests,” she noted. They incorporated a Cajun-inspired menu and a lively jazz band to enhance the celebration.

Wilson wore a custom Oscar de la Renta dress adorned with cherry blossoms, which she chose to symbolize living in the moment. Hodges, meanwhile, embraced a full Western style with a tailored dark green suit and cowboy hat, even donning boots from Wilson’s Golden West brand.

In a private moment before the ceremony, they exchanged handwritten vows, making it feel intimate. “I’ve never seen Duck smile as wide as then,” Wilson said, reflecting on their joy of starting this new journey together.

They enjoyed their first dance to Muscadine Bloodline’s “10-90 (The Sound of Roses),” capping off the evening with a sparkler send-off as they left in an old white Ford truck.

The couple met in 2021 through a mutual friend, which blossomed into a close bond. “From our first date, we were inseparable,” Wilson reminisced. After four years of dating, Hodges proposed at George Jones’ old Tennessee mansion back in February.

Returning to the ACM Awards this year, they marked a full-circle moment since it was also the venue for their initial public appearance together last year.